21. Which Indian bank has launched a programme for start-ups named ‘iStartup 2.0’?
[A] State Bank of India
[B] ICICI Bank
[C] HDFC Bank
[D] Axis Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ICICI Bank]
Notes:
Leading Private sector bank of India, ICICI Bank has launched an exclusive programme for start-ups named ‘iStartup2.0’.
Under this programme, a Current Account can be created for new businesses that are up to ten years old seamlessly. The Bank has integrated its APIs with the website of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and the account number is obtained at the time of incorporation.
22. Which is the first Indian company to surpass USD 200 billion in market capitalisation mark?
[A] TCS
[B] RIL
[C] IOCL
[D] NTPC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [RIL]
Notes:
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has become the first Indian company to surpass USD 200 billion in market capitalisation. The RIL had market capitalisation of Rs.15.3 trillion (USD 208 billion).
RIL is followed by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) with market capitalization of Rs 8.75 trillion (USD 119 billion). RIL is the 40th most valuable firm globally.
23. Which Indian state has partnered with SIDBI to provide support to MSMEs in the state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Karnataka
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Tamil Nadu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rajasthan]
Notes:
The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Rajasthan government to develop the MSME ecosystem in the state.
This is the initiative of the Department of Industries, Rajasthan to provide financial and technical support to MSMEs in the state. The state has also amended the MSME Act to promote industries and exempt businesses from permissions and inspections for three years.
24. What is India’s rank in the Economic Freedom Index 2020, released recently?
[A] 55
[B] 75
[C] 105
[D] 128
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [105]
Notes:
India has been ranked at 105th position in the Economic Freedom Index 2020.
‘The Economic Freedom of the World: 2020 Annual Report’ has been released by Fraser Institute of Canada in collaboration with New Delhi based think tank “Centre For Civil Society”. As per the report, Hong Kong and Singapore have topped the index.
25. Which Indian head co-chaired the ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting that was virtually held recently?
[A] Union Home Minister
[B] Union External Affairs Minister
[C] Prime Minister
[D] External Affairs Secretary
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Union External Affairs Minister]
Notes:
The Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar represented India and co-chaired the ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting.
The meeting was held in a virtual mode. The meeting was participated by Foreign Ministers of the 10 ASEAN Member countries and India. During the meeting, a new ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2021-2025) was adopted.
26. Which institution has estimated that Asia’s economy will contract for the first time since 1962?
[A] World Bank
[B] Asian Development Bank
[C] BRICS Bank
[D] International Monetary Fund
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Asian Development Bank]
Notes:
According to the Asian Development Bank, Asia’s economy will contract for the first time since the early 1960s.
The bank had earlier projected that the GDP would grow by 0.1 per cent. Now, it is estimated that Asia’s GDP would decline by 0.7 per cent in 2020 and would increase to 7.7 per cent in 2021. It also highlighted that the GD in India would contract by 9% this year.
27. Which Indian state/UT has launched “Backyard Horticulture” under CAPEX scheme?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Sikkim
[C] Jammu and Kashmir
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Jammu and Kashmir]
Notes:
The Horticulture Department of the Jammu and Kashmir has launched the Flagship programme ‘Backyard Horticulture’ under CAPEX scheme.
The programme aims to promote organic fruit production for home consumption. Under the programme, three fruit plants will be distributed among the farmers at 90% subsidy. It increases self-sustenance and also preserves environment.
28. A committee has been formed by which Union Ministry for study on origin of Indian culture?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Culture
[C] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
[D] Ministry of Environment
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Culture]
Notes:
The Government of India has formed a committee for conducting a study on the origin and evolution of 12,000-year-old Indian culture.
The committee comprises of 16 members with K.N. Dikshit, the Chairman of Indian Archaeological Society as a prominent member. The ministry plans to use the report of the committee in textbooks for the purpose of educational research.
29. What is the name of the special week organised across the country, to mark the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi?
[A] Seva Saptah
[B] Bharat Saptah
[C] Atmanirbhar Saptah
[D] Swachhata Saptah
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Seva Saptah]
Notes:
Bharatiya Janata Party has organised a week-long Seva Saptah to celebrate the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Under this programme, several welfare activities were organised across the country. Several programmes related to cleanliness, distribution of sanitary pads and wheel chairs and other social service events are organized from 14th to 20th September.
30. What is OECD’s revised economic growth forecast for India for the current financial year?
[A] – 9%
[B] -10.2%
[C] -11.2%
[D] -15.2%
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [-10.2%]
Notes:
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has revised India’s growth projections to minus 10.2% for the current financial year.
This is due to extended lockdown in the country. The OECD released a report titled “Interim Economic Assessment Corona virus: Living with uncertainty”. As per the report, prolonged spread of the virus, high levels of poverty, and stricter confinement measures are the reasons for contraction of the Indian Economy.